?Chapter 973:


    Realization dawned on Brenna, and she stared at her mother. “Wait—you’re setting me up on a date, aren’t you?”


    A calm nod from Giselle confirmed it. “That’s exactly what I’m doing. There’s a whole world full of decent men. Just give it a try, all right?”


    A sigh escaped Brenna, resignation softening her voice. Her mother would never give up on the idea, and it was clear she never liked Ethan. “Alright.”


    Later, while everyone gathered for dinner, Ernst ced an invitation on the dining table.


    “Looks like the Wilson Group’s got a new CEO for the Vand region,” he said. “There’s a banquet Saturday night to wee the new CEO. Mom, Dad, are you two nning to go?”


    Shepard answered almost instantly, “We have no ns to attend. You can go and represent our family if you want.”


    Surprisingly, Giselle spoke up. “We should go. This new CEO thinks she can steal Brenna’s boyfriend. I want to see her in person.” Shepard was shocked. “Really?”


    Ernst, who had just returned home, had gone drinking with Ethan the night before and already knew about Gracie. He kept his head down, focusing on his food, and said nothing.


    Brenna had no choice but to exin the situation to Shepard. “You’ve probably seen the videos online. There’s definitely something going on between Gracie and Ethan. I’ve already made up my mind to break up with Ethan.”


    Hearing that Brenna was serious, Ernst finally met her gaze. “Don’t rush to break up with him, Brenna. Ethan isn’t like that. He has only ever seen Gracie as a friend, nothing more. He called me earlier—basically begged me to talk to you on his behalf. But I didn’t want to interfere. After all, he is the one who let Gracie hug him. Honestly, I’m angry at him, too, but I don’t think there’s anything between him and Gracie.”


    Giselle scolded her son. “Enough with the excuses. I don’t believe that.”


    Shepard’s anger simmered. “In that case, we’ll go to the banquet. How dare that woman try to steal my daughter’s boyfriend?”


    By noon the next day, Brenna had already packed up her things and slipped out of the office just after half past eleven.


    As she waited for the elevator, she dug through her purse, found herpact, and dabbed on some powder before carefully refreshing her lipstick.


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    A nce in the tiny mirror brought a satisfied grin to her face. Then, she entered the elevator.


    The block was lined with stylish restaurants, each boasting sleek decor and a serene vibe. Since manypanies in the area didn’t have their own cafeterias, the neighborhood was packed with dining options, and the restaurants were always bustling. The one Brenna was headed to had an excellent reputation, with a loyal customer base. Arrivingte would mean no avable seats.


    At the restaurant, Brenna spotted Lorna waving from a window table she’d managed to snag. “Over here!”


    Lorna didn’t know why Brenna had asked her to hold a table, but she had obedientlyplied. She had been sitting for nearly an hour already, picking at the two entrees and a bowl of soup she’d ordered just to hold the table.


    “You’re finally here! I ate at a snail’s pace because I was worried they’d kick me out as soon as my te was empty.”


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